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shareA documentary can take many shapes, whether expository, investigative, or even pure entertainment. One of the most effective uses of the form, however, is as an avenue for the documentarian to bare their soul, to express themselves without holding back. In this way, the documentary can become an intimate portrait, a point of true emotional catharsis, or even a confessional. These films, though differing in style and the content of their stories, were all made with the intent of shedding light on the personal, whether that means hidden truths, repressed traumas, or even unspoken appreciation and love. To both heartwarming and heartbreaking effect, these courageous and insightful filmmakers have used documentary to uncover the hidden depths of both themselves and their subjects.
Curated by Arzhang Zafar
In this program
hi ading
Directed by Dinaly Tran
A poetic short that provides a glimpse into a love story. Speaking to their parents’ past selves, Dinaly asks and hopes that these past versions might help them realize that the decisions they may not understand are still made out of love.
Reading You
Directed by Angeline Teh
An immersion into memories where absence of a person takes hold.
Threading Silence
Directed by Isabel Tay
A Singaporean family’s silenced grief over the death of an uncle parallels the country’s removal of diverse dialects and funeral rituals that conceal mourning.
Can I Hug You?
Directed by Elahe Esmaili
In the religious Iranian city of Qom, there are restrictions imposed on women in the name of “sexual safety.” Hossein grew up in this context, but as a young boy he found himself victimized, left to carry this secret into adulthood. Now, with the help of his wife Elahe, he is confronting his trauma.
